Be An Influencer For Christ: Be Salt & Light | Peter Tan-Chi | Run Through

How to Swim Against the Tide?

The Call to Be Salt and Light

• Jesus emphasizes the importance of being "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" in Matthew 5:13-14, addressing His disciples directly.

• The Sermon on the Mount is highlighted as a significant teaching moment for Jesus' disciples, urging them to consider their role as followers.

Understanding Salt's Significance

• Salt serves multiple purposes: it acts as a preservative and antiseptic, crucial for survival in ancient times without refrigeration.

• The term "salarium," from which "salary" derives, underscores salt's historical value; it was once so precious that workers were paid with it.

The Consequences of Losing Saltiness

• Without salt, meat and fish decay; this metaphor illustrates how society deteriorates without Christian influence.

• Jesus warns that if Christians lose their effectiveness (saltiness), they become useless, akin to tasteless salt that is thrown away.

Maintaining Effectiveness as Believers

• Contamination through sin leads to losing one's saltiness; Christians must strive for Christlikeness to remain effective influencers.

• 1 Peter 3:1-2 teaches that behavior can evangelize more powerfully than words alone, emphasizing actions over verbal persuasion.

Engaging with the World

• To be effective as salt and light, Christians must engage with those outside their faith community rather than isolating themselves.

Engaging with Non-Believers: The Example of Jesus

Importance of Relationships in Discipleship

• Engaging with people who don't know Jesus is crucial; they are spiritually hungry, but this requires spending time with them.

• Jesus exemplified discipleship by dining with tax collectors and sinners, showing that reaching out to the marginalized is essential for spreading His message.

• Tax collectors were despised by Jews as they worked for the Roman government and profited from overcharging, yet Jesus associated with them without hesitation.

Addressing Criticism from Religious Leaders

• The Pharisees questioned why Jesus dined with sinners, highlighting a common criticism faced by those who associate with non-believers.

• Jesus responded that He came to call sinners, not the righteous, emphasizing His mission to heal spiritual sickness rather than maintain religious exclusivity.

Intentional Influence Through Relationships

• To impact others for Christ, one must build relationships; avoiding non-believers limits influence and outreach potential.

• Being intentional about forming connections can lead to positive influences; Christians should strive to be authentic representatives of Christ.

Practical Applications of Influence

• Various ministries (e.g., sports or singles groups) provide opportunities for Christians to invite friends and share their faith through shared interests.

• Everyone is an influencer—positively or negatively. It’s vital to choose to be a positive influence for Christ.

Personal Testimony: Spreading the Gospel

• A personal story illustrates how one can use their platform (like being on a varsity team or in medical school) to share faith effectively.

• The speaker's daughter invited him multiple times to share the Gospel during her medical studies across different batches, leading many classmates to follow Jesus.

The Role of Light in Christian Calling

Understanding Your Calling as Salt and Light

• Christians are called to be "salt" and "light," illuminating truth in a dark world. This calling involves guiding others toward understanding God’s message.

The Purpose of Light

• Light serves several purposes: it illuminates darkness, guides paths, and warns against dangers (like shipwreck hazards).

The Significance of Sharing the Gospel

• Just as lighthouses prevent shipwrecks by warning sailors of danger, Christians must help others see spiritual truths clearly.

Understanding Spiritual Blindness and the Call to Be Light

The Concept of Spiritual Blindness

• The speaker introduces the idea that there are two types of people in the room: those who are perishing and those who are not, referencing a biblical perspective on spiritual blindness.

• It is emphasized that some individuals may have religion but lack a true relationship with Jesus, leading to unchanged lives despite religious practices.

• The "god of this world," identified as Satan, blinds the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from seeing the light of Christ's gospel.

Personal Transformation Through Christ

• A personal testimony is shared about how God opened the speaker's eyes to their sinfulness and need for Jesus, resulting in a transformative experience.

• This transformation leads to a new perspective on life; believers are encouraged to reflect on whether they see things differently now.

Being Light in the World

• The concept of being "the light of the world" is introduced, highlighting that believers illuminate others' paths to Jesus through their actions and presence.

• Emphasis is placed on individual responsibility; each believer has been chosen by God to share the Gospel with specific people in their lives.

Real-Life Examples of Sharing Faith

• A story illustrates how an invitation to join a Dgroup led someone unfamiliar with Christianity to attend a retreat and eventually get baptized after understanding the gospel.

• The importance of inviting others and sharing biblical teachings is reinforced as instrumental in bringing people closer to faith.

Living Out Your Faith Authentically

• Believers are reminded not to hide their light or be ashamed; instead, they should actively reflect Christ’s light in their lives.

• Jesus identifies Himself as "the Light of the world," encouraging followers not only to receive His light but also to reflect it through their actions.

Conducting Oneself as Salt and Light

• Philippians 2 emphasizes that being salt and light involves both actions and behavior; believers must strive for Christlike conduct without grumbling or disputing.

• Matthew 5:16 commands believers to let their light shine through good works so that others may glorify God.

How to Be an Influencer for Christ

Understanding "Kalos" and Good Works

• The term "kalos" signifies more than just goodness; it embodies qualities of beauty, attractiveness, and winsomeness in good works.

• The goal of performing good works is to attract others to Jesus, emphasizing that the focus should be on glorifying God rather than seeking personal recognition.

The Influence of Jonathan Edwards

• Personal influence begins with oneself and extends to family; while one cannot change their ancestors, they can impact future generations.

• Jonathan Edwards is highlighted as a model of godliness whose descendants include numerous influential figures such as U.S. senators and judges, showcasing the positive legacy of faith.

The Consequences of Neglecting Faith

• In contrast, the Max Jukes family represents a lineage marked by negative outcomes due to a lack of religious commitment, including high rates of poverty and crime among descendants.

• This comparison illustrates the profound impact one's choices can have on future generations—both positively and negatively.

Call to Action: Be Salt and Light

• Everyone has the potential to influence others; thus, individuals are encouraged to embrace their role as 'salt and light' in society.

• A personal anecdote emphasizes starting with self-improvement before attempting broader changes in family or community.

Seeking Transformation Through Faith

• The message concludes with an invitation for individuals to reflect on their need for change through faith in Jesus Christ.